Pecan Apple Arugula Salad

Spicy earthy arugula gets a lift from pecans and apples in this simple salad. Don't make this one ahead of time, or it will wilt. It's best made right before serving.

Looking to change up your salad game? Try this Arugula Salad! Arugula is a zesty, tangy, sometimes spicy salad green that’s called rocket in the UK and Europe. Want your kids to inhale this simple side salad?? Call it ROCKET SALAD.

Two bowls of arugula salad with apples and pecans.

Don’t be afraid of the spicy side of arugula. It’s not to hot that you can’t eat it but it’s just kind of peppery. The only time I’ve had it and it’s spicy hot was when I grew it and it started to go to seed. I still kept picking it and those leaves were fiery hot.

Regular arugula is just lightly spicy. And earthy. It’s one of our favorite greens. So don’t shy away from it because I said it’s was “spicy.” Try it, you might be surprised!

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An arugula salad with apples, greens, and pecans on a plate.

What you need to make this Arugula Salad

Looking for arugula? You can typically find it in the bagged or boxed salad greens area of your local grocery store. I’ve never seen it sold in bulk because it is a fluffy leafy green. Boxing or bagging is the best way to control it.

  • arugula
  • apple
  • pecan
  • apple cider vinegar
  • balsamic vinegar or pomegranate molasses
  • salt
  • light olive oil
  • jar with lid for making the salad dressing
  • salad bowl
  • tongs
  • knife and cutting board
Fresh arugula salad in a glass bowl.

When to serve this salad

This salad is perfect to serve as part of a light lunch or as a side salad for dinner. Try it with these Grilled Chicken Tenders or try it next to Easy Chicken Piccata! But honestly, you can serve it with just about anything, and it will shine!

A refreshing arugula salad with a flavorful dressing being poured over it.

Don’t make this salad in advance

It doesn’t hold up to the dressing! If you need to make it in advance, clean your greens, chop the apple, and put them in the salad bowl. Make the dressing in a small jar. Place the salad and the dressing the fridge, separately.

When ready to serve, toss the pecans with the salad. Then shake the dressing again to remix it. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. The salad will hold up for an hour or so once it’s dressed but then it will start to wilt.

A bowl of arugula salad with apples in a white bowl.

If you have leftovers

Don’t. This is a make-and-enjoy immediately kind of salad. If you have leftovers, they will be wilted. They’ll still taste good but it won’t be fresh and crispy like it is when it’s fresh.

More salads we love

This antipasto salad is a favorite with teens and kids alike. Of course, adults like it too! We also LOVE this Ramen Salad, a twist on coleslaw with a zesty dressing and crispy crunchy ramen noodles! SO good!!

And this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is an ABSOLUTE family fave! We serve it on Thanksgiving as a refreshing break from all the heavy dishes of the holiday.

An arugula salad with apples, greens, and pecans on a plate.

Pecan Apple Arugula Salad

5 from 36 votes
Spicy earthy arugula gets a lift from pecans and apples in this simple salad. Don't make this one ahead of time, or it will wilt. It's best made right before serving.
Course: Salad Recipes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Laura
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces arugula
  • 1 apple honeycrisp or other tart apple
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves you can chop them if you want to
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 TBSP balsamic vinegar If you don't have balsamic vinegar use the same amount of apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar. Or try pomegranate molasses if you have it, it's so good!
  • pinch salt
  • pinch sugar
  • 4 1/2 TBSP light olive oil

Instructions

  • place washed and dried arugula greens in a large salad bowl
  • wash and dry apple, slice into bite-size pieces
  • add to the bowl of greens
  • add pecan halves, you can chop them if you like
  • in a small jelly jar mix the vinegars with the salt and sugar, allow to dissolve
  • add the olive oil to the jar
  • put the lid on the jar and shake to combine
  • drizzle over the salad and toss to combine
  • serve immediately

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1041IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

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